Gas infusion module

ABSTRACT

According to one or exemplary embodiments, there is provided a Gas Infusion Module that is a compact, inexpensive, adjustable, and easy to clean apparatus for infusing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, with a gas. The Gas Infusion Module controls the mixing of the gas with a liquid beverage in a homogenization element. To achieve an enhanced homogenization of gas and liquid, first the Gas Infusion Module regulates the pressure of gas that will enter the homogenization element and mix with the liquid. Additionally, the liquid and gas mixture passes through an outlet check valve which forces greater homogenization of the aerated fluid before it is dispensed for consumption.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 62/677,439, filed on May 29, 2018, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for infusinggas into a liquid, and more specifically to an apparatus for infusing agas such as nitrogen, into a beverage that is suitable for drinking.

BACKGROUND

Using gas, such as nitrogen, to dispense carbonated beverages iscommonly known. However, using nitrogen or other gases to infusenon-carbonated beverages such as coffee, tea, or juice is not commonlyknown. Infusing juice, or a chilled tea or coffee beverage with nitrogencan enhance the flavor and appearance of the beverage. According to anaspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system thatinfuses a gas such as nitrogen into a beverage, such as tea, coffee, orjuice.

There are a number of prior art devices that infuse a gas into a liquid.A first method uses a membrane. In the membrane, small passages withvery high surface area allow gas to permeate into a liquid. This issimilar to human lungs allowing gas into the bloodstream. Issues thatneed to be considered with this method are the saturation of the gaspassages and the physical size of the module. Often, the balance ofpressures & thermal variation causes an inconsistent pour.

A second method uses a porous tube. In the porous tube, pressurized gasin a chamber outside of a liquid tube is forced into the liquid within ashower of small bubbles. Issues that need to be considered with thismethod are the saturation of the gas passages, and the balance ofpressures and thermal variation, which tend to cause an inconsistentpour. Further, while this method might work to infuse water like the Bagin Box Barista, other products such as, for example, Post-Mix Coffee,have solids in it and trying to clean it can be problematic. Since thismethod does not infuse the liquid enough, subsequent restriction with atortuous path to break up the larger bubbles is required. The resultingbeverage may not have the cascading effect for as long as the membranerequires.

Another prior method provides the infusion of a gas such as nitrogenwhere pressurized nitrogen is controlled via a pilot valve, i.e., anair-operated valve. An intermittent nitrogen pulse is injected into aliquid stream, for example, a coffee stream, within a fitting. The pulseis controlled by the exhaust of the coffee pump. The pump exhaust gasintermittently triggers the pilot valve and is then vented to theatmosphere. Issues to be considered with this approach are, for example:it is sensitive to thermal variation, which may cause an inconsistentpour; the physical size of the module; nitrogen to operate the pump isvented to atmosphere, while in all other methods, 100% of the nitrogengoes into the beverage; and this approach uses a large volume ofnitrogen, therefore a larger nitrogen generator or gas bottle isrequired. This approach is also complex, i.e., there are moving partsthat may sometimes fail, and many connections tend to leak.

In another prior art method, gas infusion incorporates the Venturiprinciple. In the Venturi method, a liquid passes through a choke orthroat causing a pressure drop (Venturi vacuum). Gas or another liquidis drawn into the fast moving/negative pressure jet of the liquid at thechoke. Then, in the turbulent expansion area downstream of the choke,further mixing of gas and liquid occurs. However, one issue to considerwith this method is proper cleaning of the system through which apotable beverage will be dispensed. In a Venturi device, the expansionarea where the gas and liquid homogenize must be cleaned periodically toprevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. This is typically doneby running a cleaning solution through the system. But the flow ofsolution through a Venturi may not properly clean every internal surfaceand corner.

Thus, there is a need for an improved fluid and gas mixing system forpotable beverages that sufficiently aerates a beverage and meetsindustry sanitization requirements.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an improved module for infusing gasinto a beverage suited for drinking.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, a gas infusion module may includea homogenization element and a gas pressure regulator. Thehomogenization element may further include a chamber for mixing a gasand a liquid, a liquid inlet assembly configured to transmit the liquidinto the chamber, a gas inlet assembly configured to transmit the gasinto the chamber, and an outlet port configured to dispense a mixture ofthe gas and the liquid. The gas pressure regulator is configured toadjust an input pressure of the gas as the gas enters the homogenizationelement.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude an outlet check valve at the junction between the chamber andthe outlet port. The outlet check valve creates a pressure differentialthat increases homogenization of the liquid and the gas before theaerated beverage exits the chamber.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude a liquid check valve at the junction between the liquid inletassembly and the chamber. The liquid check valve prevents back flow ofgas into the liquid inlet assembly.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude a gas input valve placed directly in the flow of the passingliquid to produce small bubbles. The gas input valve prevents back flowof the liquid into the gas inlet assembly.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, a gas infusion module for mixing agas and a liquid to create an aerated beverage is provided. The modulemay include a homogenization element including a chamber where theliquid and the gas are mixed to create the aerated beverage, a gas inletport for introducing the gas to the chamber, a liquid inlet port forintroducing the liquid to the chamber, and an outlet port configured toenhance homogenization of the gas and the liquid before the aeratedliquid exits the chamber through the outlet port. The module alsoincludes a gas pressure regulator for adjusting an input pressure of thegas entering the chamber.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude an outlet check valve to enhance homogenization by breakinglarge gas bubbles into smaller gas bubbles as the liquid and gas areforced out of the chamber to better homogenize the mixture of gas andliquid.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude a liquid check valve connecting the liquid inlet port and thechamber, wherein the liquid check valve allows liquid to flow in onedirection from the liquid inlet port into the chamber thereby preventingback flow into the liquid inlet port.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the gas infusion module mayinclude a gas input valve connecting the gas inlet port and the chamber,wherein the gas input valve allows gas to flow in one direction from thegas inlet port into the chamber thereby preventing back flow into thegas inlet port.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the Venturi effect as known in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates the core components of the Gas Infusion Moduleaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the components of thehomogenization element of the Gas Infusion Module according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the Gas Infusion Module within aremovable cover according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5 withoutthe removable cover;

FIG. 8A illustrates a first exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element;

FIG. 8B illustrates a second exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element with the check port stem including an extensionpiece;

FIG. 8C illustrates a third exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element with an extension piece and a shank mount;

FIG. 8D illustrates a fourth exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element with a syrup input assembly; and

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the Gas Infusion Module with alimiting washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure and accompanying figures presents a nitrogeninfusion module that may be very compact, inexpensive, easy to adjust,can be easily cleaned without the need to dismantle, and can infuseliquid such as water or pre-mix, with gas, such as nitrogen, air, orcarbon dioxide.

Now turning to a discussion of the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates theVenturi effect where a fluid moving through a constricted area willresult in a pressure drop that can be used to draw a second fluid intothe first fluid.

FIG. 2 illustrates the internal components of the Gas Infusion Moduleaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The GasInfusion Module 1 includes a homogenization element 12 and a gaspressure regulator 20. The homogenization element 12 includes a liquidinlet assembly 14, a gas inlet assembly 16, and an outlet port 18. Theliquid inlet assembly 14 conducts the liquid or beverage into thehomogenization element 12 to mix with the gas. The gas inlet assembly 16conducts the gas into the homogenization element 12 to mix with theliquid. After mixing in the homogenization element 12, the aerated fluidexits the Gas Infusion Module 1 through the outlet port 18. The gaspressure regulator 20 may include an adjustment knob 22, a regulatedpressure graduated ring 24, and an adjustment limitation safeguard 26.The adjustment knob 22 allows a user to adjust the pressure of the gasentering the homogenization element 12. The adjustment limitationsafeguard 26 provides an additional safety component by preventing thegas pressure from being raised too high. A quick release coupling 28secures the homogenization element 12 to the gas inlet assembly 16 andallows for easy connection and disconnection of the components forcleaning. Also shown in FIG. 2 are the quick release couplings 13, 15.The quick release couplings 13, 15 allow for quick and easy connectionof gas or fluid lines. It should be noted that in other embodiments, theGas Infusion Module 1 may include fewer or more components than thosedepicted in FIG. 2.

In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid inlet assembly 14 includes aquick connect fitting 15 for ease of securing a fluid line to the GasInfusion Module 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the Gas Infusion Module 1.In this exemplary embodiment, the homogenization element 12 includes aliquid check valve 30, a gas input valve 32, and an outlet check valve34 (collectively, “the check valves”). The liquid check valve 30 islocated at the junction between the liquid inlet assembly 14 and themixing chamber 36. The gas input valve 32 is located such that theliquid entering from the liquid inlet assembly 14 flows directly overthe gas input valve 32. Finally, outlet check valve 34 is located at thejunction between the mixing chamber 36 and the outlet port 18.

The check valves may only allow one-directional flow, which preventsback flow of any contaminants. The liquid check valve 30 allows liquidto flow into the mixing chamber 36 and prevents back flow into a liquidline. The gas input valve 32 allows gas to flow into the mixing chamber36 and prevents back flow into a gas line. The liquid and gas enter themixing chamber 36 to create an aerated liquid. The liquid and gasmixture passes through the outlet check valve 34 to exit the mixingchamber 36. Additionally, placing the gas input valve 32 in the path offlowing liquid may produce smaller bubbles in the aerated fluid. Inaddition, in a cleaning procedure, placing the gas input valve 32 in thepath of flowing liquid may result in the gas input valve 32 being infull contact with a cleaning solution. Finally, the outlet check valve34 creates a tortuous path and turbulence that breaks up the bubblesresulting in a more homogenized aerated fluid exiting the mixing chamber36. The aerated fluid or beverage then proceeds out of the outlet port18.

In addition to providing homogenization of gas and liquid, the additionof the outlet check valve 34 allows a cleaning fluid passing through thesystem to sanitize the entire mixing chamber 36 unlike a Venturi device,which leaves areas adjacent to the throat 30 untouched by a cleaningsolution.

In some embodiments, the outlet port 18 is in fluid connection, via ahose or other suitable means, to a beverage dispensing mechanism or abeverage container (not shown).

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view showing the components of thehomogenization element 12. The homogenization element 12 includes theliquid inlet assembly 14, the gas inlet assembly 16, the outlet port 18,the check valves 30, 32, and 34, and the quick release coupling 28. Theliquid inlet assembly 14 is comprised of an input fitting 17 and theliquid check valve 30. The gas inlet assembly 16 is comprised of a checkport stem 19 and the gas input valve 32. A quick release coupling 28secures the gas inlet assembly 16 to the homogenization element 12. Asshown in FIG. 5, a series of O-rings 38 may be used to secure thevarious connections.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the Gas Infusion Module 1 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplaryembodiment, the outer casing 40 is made of 20 GA #4 satin stainlesssteel. The Gas Infusion Module 1 includes a removable cover 42, thehomogenization element 12, the gas pressure regulator 20, a gas quickconnect fitting 13, and a liquid quick connect fitting 15.

FIG. 8A illustrates one configuration of the homogenization element 12of the Gas Infusion Module 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In this embodiment, liquid, such as tea, coffee,juice, etc., enters the input fitting 17 at approximately 30-40 poundsper square inch (PSI). Any liquid can be used, and not only theaforementioned liquids. Further, 30-40 PSI is merely an exemplarypressure for this embodiment, and other pressures may also be used. Gas,e.g., nitrogen or air, enters the check port stem 19 and is adjustablevia the pressure regulator 20 (shown for example in FIG. 8). Typicalinput pressure is, in one exemplary embodiment, 10 PSI. The liquid andgas meet in the mixing chamber 36 and homogenization is caused by thepressure differential created by the outlet check valve 34. Aeratedfluid then flows through the outlet port 18 to a beverage container,faucet, or tap (not shown).

In some embodiments, the Gas Infusion Module 1 can be mounted within,for example, 36 inches of the faucet to avoid gas separation betweenpours. This distance is exemplary only, and other distances may be used.

FIG. 8B illustrates another exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element 12 having an extension piece 46. In this figure,an extension piece 46 is attached to the check port stem 19 to allowdifferent orientation of the gas entry line. In this in-line exemplaryembodiment, the Gas Infusion Module 1 attaches to a beverage tube insidethe tower pedestal (or leg).

FIG. 8C illustrates another exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element 12 having an extension piece 46 and a shank mount48. In this tower shank mount configuration, a mount is configuredinside a tower (e.g., a 3 inch tower) and the shank mount 48 isconnected directly to a faucet shank (not shown). In one non-limitingembodiment, the faucet shank is a Kool-rite faucet shank.

FIG. 8D illustrates another exemplary configuration of thehomogenization element 12 having two extension pieces 46 and a syrupinput assembly 50. In this exemplary dual input gas/syrup configuration(shown with a shank mount 48), the Gas Infusion Module 1 includes asyrup input assembly 50 where gas, a liquid, and another liquid (i.e.,syrup concentrate) are injected and mixed in the homogenization element12.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the Gas Infusion Module 1utilizing a limiting washer 52 to prevent radical adjustments of the gaspressure by limiting the range of rotation of the adjustment knob 22. Inone or more exemplary embodiments, the limiting washer 52 may be mountedbehind the adjustment knob 22. This can be used, for example, as anadjustment guardrail to limit the adjustment to less than one turn sothat an operator cannot make radical adjustments. The adjustment knob 22may turn a regulator that may have several revolutions between twostops. When the adjustment knob 22 is mounted, an initial knob settingis established. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the limitingwasher 52 may work in conjunction with a knob retaining screw 54 to putthe ideal adjustment in the center of available rotation.

Although the inventive concepts of the present disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof,it is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe inventive concepts.

1. (canceled)
 2. A gas infusion module for mixing a gas and a liquid tocreate an aerated fluid, the gas infusion module comprising: a gas inletassembly that allows the gas to flow into the gas infusion module; and ahomogenization element comprising: a liquid inlet that allows the liquidto flow into the homogenization element; a gas input valve located in aflow path of the liquid such that the liquid entering from the liquidinlet flows over the gas input valve; a chamber that receives the liquidand the gas, the liquid and the gas mixing in the chamber as the liquidflows over the gas input valve to create the aerated fluid; and anoutlet port that allows the aerated fluid to exit the chamber.
 3. Thegas infusion module of claim 2, wherein the gas input valve is a checkvalve that prevents backflow into the gas inlet assembly.
 4. The gasinfusion module of claim 2, further comprising an opening in the gasinput valve that delivers the gas flowing from the gas inlet assemblyinto the liquid.
 5. The gas infusion module of claim 2, furthercomprising a gas pressure regulator that controls an input pressure ofthe gas entering the gas infusion module from the gas inlet assembly. 6.The gas infusion module of claim 2, further comprising a liquid checkvalve located between the liquid inlet and the chamber, wherein theliquid check valve prevents backflow into the liquid inlet.
 7. The gasinfusion module of claim 2, further comprising an outlet check valvelocated between the chamber and the outlet port, wherein the outletcheck valve allows the aerated fluid to flow out of the chamber andprevents backflow into the chamber.
 8. The gas infusion module of claim7, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valve that is configuredto break breaks large gas bubbles into smaller gas bubbles as the liquidand gas are forced out of the chamber to better homogenize the aeratedfluid.
 9. A gas infusion module to create an aerated beverage, the gasinfusion module comprising: a gas inlet assembly including a gaspressure regulator, the gas inlet assembly allowing a gas to flow intothe gas infusion module, and the gas pressure regulator controlling aninput pressure of the gas; and a homogenization element comprising: achamber where the gas mixes with a liquid to create the aeratedbeverage; a liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to enter the chamber; agas input valve for allowing the gas from the gas inlet assembly toenter the chamber, the gas input valve in a flow path of the liquidentering the chamber, the gas mixing with the liquid as the liquid flowsover the gas input valve creating the aerated beverage, and an outletport through which the aerated beverage exits the chamber. 10.(canceled)
 11. The gas infusion module of claim 9, wherein the gas inputvalve is a check valve that prevents backflow into the gas inletassembly.
 12. The gas infusion module of claim 9, further comprising aliquid check valve located between the liquid inlet and the chamber,wherein the liquid check valve prevents backflow into the liquid inlet.13. The gas infusion module of claim 9, further comprising an outletcheck valve between the outlet port and the chamber, the outlet checkvalve configured to enhance homogenization of the gas and the liquidbefore the aerated beverage exits the chamber.
 14. The gas infusionmodule of claim 13, wherein the outlet check valve is a one-way valvethat enhances homogenization by breaking gas bubbles in the aeratedbeverage into smaller gas bubbles.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A gas infusionmodule for mixing a liquid and a gas to create an aerated beverage, thegas infusion module comprising: a gas inlet assembly including apressure regulator, the gas inlet assembly allowing the gas to flow intothe gas infusion module and the pressure regulator controlling an inputpressure of the gas; a homogenization element comprising: a chamber toreceive the liquid and the gas, the liquid and the gas mixing to createthe aerated beverage; a liquid inlet for allowing the liquid to flowinto the chamber; a gas input valve for allowing the gas to flow fromthe gas inlet assembly into the chamber, the gas input valve located ina flow path of the liquid entering the chamber, the gas mixing with theliquid as the liquid flows over the gas input valve creating the aeratedbeverage; a liquid check valve located between the liquid inlet and thechamber, the liquid check valve preventing backflow of the gas into theliquid inlet; an outlet port through which the aerated beverage exitsthe chamber; and an outlet check valve located between the outlet portand the chamber, the outlet check valve preventing backflow of theaerated beverage into the chamber.
 17. The gas infusion module of claim16, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that introduces bubblesof the gas into the liquid as the liquid flows over an opening in thegas input valve.
 18. The gas infusion module of claim 16, wherein theoutlet check valve is a one-way valve that homogenizes the gas and theliquid by further breaking down bubbles of the gas in the liquid beforethe aerated beverage exits the chamber.
 19. The gas infusion module ofclaim 16, wherein the gas input valve is a check valve that preventsbackflow of the liquid into the gas inlet assembly.
 20. (canceled)